Last week the Air Force held its first enlisted drone aircraft pilot selection board. 185 active-duty enlisted airmen who applied for the drone pilot position and passed initial qualifying were being considered. If selected the airmen will begin training in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to prepare them for piloting a drone.
Watch: Why the Air Force has a shortage of drone pilots
We anticipate the board will select 30 airmen with five alternates,” Air Force Personnel Center spokesman Mike Dickerson told Military.com on Monday. The board is still “in coordination,” but the results are expected soon, he said.
“Integrating enlisted pilots into the RQ-4 [Global Hawk] community enables the Air Force to meet mission requirements as the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission grows, while providing an opportunity to our highly skilled enlisted force,” said Chief Master Sgt. Eric Rigby, enlisted aircrew assignments chief at AFPC. – Military.com
A Global Hawk maintenance team tows an unmanned Global Hawk aircraft at a theater in Southwest Asia. Photo by By Staff Sgt. Christopher Matthews, US Air Force.
The number of airmen interested in becoming Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) pilots has grown significantly since the program was first announced with over 800 applicants in the last year. The Air Force hopes this initiative will help them overcome a shortage of RPA pilots.
Last week the Air Force held its first enlisted drone aircraft pilot selection board. 185 active-duty enlisted airmen who applied for the drone pilot position and passed initial qualifying were being considered. If selected the airmen will begin training in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to prepare them for piloting a drone.
Watch: Why the Air Force has a shortage of drone pilots
We anticipate the board will select 30 airmen with five alternates,” Air Force Personnel Center spokesman Mike Dickerson told Military.com on Monday. The board is still “in coordination,” but the results are expected soon, he said.
“Integrating enlisted pilots into the RQ-4 [Global Hawk] community enables the Air Force to meet mission requirements as the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission grows, while providing an opportunity to our highly skilled enlisted force,” said Chief Master Sgt. Eric Rigby, enlisted aircrew assignments chief at AFPC. – Military.com
A Global Hawk maintenance team tows an unmanned Global Hawk aircraft at a theater in Southwest Asia. Photo by By Staff Sgt. Christopher Matthews, US Air Force.
The number of airmen interested in becoming Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) pilots has grown significantly since the program was first announced with over 800 applicants in the last year. The Air Force hopes this initiative will help them overcome a shortage of RPA pilots.
Featured image of RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft by US Air Force
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.